Without a doubt, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to America in June 2023 was in every sense favourable to India’s interests. That the American administration has welcomed Narendra Modi with a carpet roll and ceremonial firing that no Indian Prime Minister has ever received before, evinces that their reasons are clear and their convictions are strong.

Modi was received in America as a guest of the country. The US, which has always been critical of India's democracy and religious freedom, did not make such remarks during Modi's visit.

The growing influence of India among the nations of the world and the rise of India to become the fifth economic power in the world and the deep and wide Indian market is reaching a level that no country, not even the United States, can ignore or be blind to. A changing India is needed by developed and developing nations including the United States today. Other countries are realizing the importance India has gained and the invitation offered to India to be part of Quad, I2U2 and G7 alliances. There was a time when developed countries refused to transfer technology to India. But they were fated to witness India's progress towards self-sufficiency by inventing alternative systems. America has now become India's largest trading partner only because of these developments.

As early as 2016, the US recognized India as a major defence partner. The US is now ready for massive military and technical cooperation with India even when there is no military alliance. The signing of an MOU between the American company General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the transfer of technology for manufacturing fighter jets indicates a major progressive change in the situation.

Development of artificial intelligence, strengthening of cyber security technology, development of defence technology and relaxation of technology transfer restrictions in space, the facility for Indian nuclear scientists to undergo training in the US and the MQ9 Reaper drone deal are some of the many agreements during Modi's visit to the US. As India watches China's attempt to gain an upper hand in the Indo-Pacific region, it has become necessary for America to make India stronger.

India and the United States have had disputes on some issues in the World Trade Organization, but now the United States is willing to think of bygones as bygone and they're all the more enthusiastic about trade agreements with India.

Sending a man to the moon, training Indian astronauts in the US, making Indian railways a zero-emission system, investing in the manufacture of semiconductors etc are some of the areas the US is cooperating. This will give a shot in the arm to India's development. Apart from all this, Modi's visit also paved the way for US H -1B visa relaxation and the establishment of American consulates in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. As those of Indian origin can renew their H-1B visa from the US, this will be very beneficial for all job seekers, especially in the IT and apparel sectors.

While addressing the Indian community at the Ronald Reagan Hall during his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a new chapter in the relationship between India and the US has begun. "India is the mother of democracy and the United States is the champion. The Indian community in America plays a crucial role in the relationship between the two countries. The US-India partnership is not only about contracts and agreements but also about lives and dreams. The relationship with the US is not just economic but also emotional," Modi said to the audience.

Narendra Modi's US visit also serves as a warning to China which is trying to destabilize India, and Pakistan which is trying to spread terror in the country. Modi's visit to the US turned out to be a rallying cry against hostile forces.

* (Writer is former President of FOKANA and Chairman of MBN Foundation USA)